Ascent to Felicity is a concise yet comprehensive guide on Islamic creed and Hanafi jurisprudence by Imam Shurunbulali, translated by Faraz A. Khan. Published by White Thread Press in 2010, it covers the five pillars, supplications, and related jurisprudence, available as a PDF download.
Overview of the Text
Ascent to Felicity is a seminal work by Imam Shurunbulali, offering a detailed exploration of Islamic creed and Hanafi jurisprudence. Translated by Faraz A. Khan, it provides insights into the five pillars of Islam, supplications, and related legal rulings. Published by White Thread Press in 2010, the text is widely available as a PDF download, making it accessible for modern learners. Its concise yet comprehensive approach ensures clarity and depth, making it a valuable resource for understanding Islamic teachings and practices.
Importance of the Book in Islamic Studies
Ascent to Felicity holds significant importance in Islamic studies as a trusted primer on Islamic creed and Hanafi jurisprudence. It equips learners with foundational knowledge of the five pillars, supplications, and related rulings, making it invaluable for both beginners and advanced scholars. Its clear structure and accessible language bridge classical and modern understanding, ensuring its relevance in contemporary Islamic education. The book’s influence is evident in its widespread use as a teaching text and its enduring popularity among students and teachers of Islamic theology and law.
Historical Background and Authorship
Written by Imam Shurunbulali, a prominent 17th-century Hanafi scholar, Ascent to Felicity was published by White Thread Press in 2010, offering insights into Islamic creed and jurisprudence.
Who is Imam Shurunbulali?
Imam Shurunbulali was a prominent 17th-century Hanafi scholar and jurist, renowned for his expertise in Islamic jurisprudence and creed. His real name was Abu l-Ikhlas Hasan al-Shurunbulali, and he was celebrated for his deep understanding of Hanafi fiqh. He authored Ascent to Felicity, a concise yet comprehensive guide on Islamic creed and jurisprudence, which remains a foundational text in Islamic studies. His works are highly regarded for their clarity and precision, making him a respected figure in Islamic scholarship.
Context of the Book’s Composition
Written in the 17th century, “Ascent to Felicity” was composed during a period of rich Islamic scholarly tradition. The book, originally titled “Maraqi l-Saadat,” was authored by Imam Shurunbulali to provide a clear, accessible guide for Muslims on creed and jurisprudence. Its composition reflects the intellectual and religious environment of the time, emphasizing the need for a concise yet comprehensive manual. The book’s structure and content were designed to meet the spiritual and educational needs of both students and scholars, blending theological principles with practical applications of Islamic law.
Core Topics Covered in the Book
The book covers Islamic Creed, Tawheed, the Five Pillars of Islam, supplications, and jurisprudence related to worship, providing a foundational understanding of faith and practice.
Islamic Creed and Tawheed
Ascent to Felicity delves into the fundamentals of Islamic Creed, emphasizing Tawheed (divine oneness), the core of Islamic belief. It explores the categories of Tawheed, including the oneness of Lordship, worship, and names and attributes, providing a clear understanding of monotheism. The text also discusses the reality of belief (Imaan) and its pillars, highlighting the Prophet’s role in conveying divine revelation. This section serves as a foundational guide for believers to comprehend and strengthen their faith, aligning with the Hanafi tradition’s emphasis on creed as the basis of all worship and practice.
The Five Pillars of Islam
Ascent to Felicity meticulously explains the Five Pillars of Islam, providing detailed insights into their significance and proper execution. It covers Shahadah (faith declaration), Salah (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting), and Hajj (pilgrimage). The text offers practical guidance on each pillar, ensuring believers understand their obligations. With a focus on the Hanafi tradition, it clarifies nuanced aspects, such as prayer methods and fasting rules. This section is essential for those seeking to fulfill Islamic duties with precision and devotion, making it a invaluable resource for spiritual growth and adherence to Islamic practices.
Supplications, Slaughtering, and Related Jurisprudence
Ascent to Felicity provides detailed guidance on supplications, emphasizing their role in strengthening one’s spiritual connection. It outlines proper methods for slaughtering animals, adhering to Islamic ethics and hygiene. The text also delves into related jurisprudence, offering clear rulings on permissible and impermissible actions. With a focus on the Hanafi tradition, it ensures believers can apply these practices correctly. This section is a valuable resource for understanding and implementing these essential aspects of Islamic worship with precision and faithfulness to divine commandments.
The Hanafi School of Thought
Hanafi jurisprudence, one of the four prominent Sunni schools, emphasizes rational interpretation and equity. Imam Shurunbulali’s work provides a clear understanding of its principles and applications in worship.
Significance of Hanafi Fiqh
Hanafi jurisprudence is one of the four prominent Sunni schools, emphasizing rational interpretation and equity. Rooted in the teachings of Imam Abu Hanifa, it provides a balanced approach to Islamic law, blending revelation with reason. Its adaptability and focus on contextual understanding have made it widely influential, particularly in diverse cultural settings. Ascent to Felicity serves as a key resource, offering insights into Hanafi principles and their practical application in worship, ethics, and daily life, making it indispensable for modern Islamic education and personal guidance.
Key Principles and Methodologies
The Hanafi school emphasizes rational interpretation, equity, and adherence to revealed texts. Core principles include reliance on the Qur’an, Hadith, consensus (ijma), and analogy (qiyas). The school’s methodology prioritizes facilitating ease and fairness in legal rulings. Ascent to Felicity encapsulates these principles, offering clear, structured guidance on worship and jurisprudence. Its concise yet detailed approach makes complex concepts accessible, reflecting the Hanafi tradition’s balance between scholarly rigor and practical application, ensuring it remains a vital resource for understanding Islamic law and practice.
Structure and Style of the Book
Ascent to Felicity is a concise yet comprehensive guide, structured to facilitate clear understanding. It includes appendices and notes for clarity, making it accessible in English translation.
Conciseness and Comprehensiveness
Ascent to Felicity masterfully balances conciseness with depth, covering essential Islamic creed and Hanafi jurisprudence succinctly. The text avoids unnecessary elaboration, ensuring clarity while retaining comprehensiveness. Its structured approach makes complex topics accessible, with clear explanations of key principles and practices. The inclusion of appendices and supplementary notes enhances understanding, providing readers with a well-rounded grasp of the subject matter without overwhelming them with excessive detail. This balance makes it an invaluable resource for both beginners and advanced students of Islamic studies.
Translation and Appendices
The English translation of Ascent to Felicity by Faraz A. Khan ensures clarity and accuracy, making the classical text accessible to modern readers. The appendices provide valuable supplementary material, including detailed notes and explanations of key concepts. These additions enhance the reader’s understanding of complex topics without interrupting the flow of the main text. The translation and appendices collectively make the book a robust resource for studying Islamic creed and Hanafi jurisprudence, while maintaining its original depth and purpose.
Availability and Access
Ascent to Felicity is readily available as a PDF download, published by White Thread Press, ensuring easy access for readers worldwide to study Islamic creed and jurisprudence.
PDF Downloads and Online Resources
Ascent to Felicity is widely available as a downloadable PDF, ensuring accessibility for learners worldwide. Published by White Thread Press, the book can be easily found on various online platforms. Readers can download the PDF directly from reputable sources, making it convenient for studying Islamic creed and Hanafi jurisprudence. Additionally, online resources and appendices complement the text, providing further insights and study aids for a deeper understanding of the material.
Published Editions and White Thread Press
Ascent to Felicity, authored by Imam Shurunbulali, was published by White Thread Press in 2010. This esteemed publisher is renowned for producing high-quality Islamic texts, ensuring the book’s accessibility to a broad audience. The edition, translated by Faraz A. Khan, features meticulous attention to detail and clarity. With an ISBN of 978-1-933764-09-2, it remains a trusted resource for Islamic studies. White Thread Press’s commitment to preserving classical knowledge has made this text indispensable for scholars and learners alike, blending tradition with modern accessibility.
Reception and Impact
Ascent to Felicity has profoundly influenced Islamic education, serving as a trusted resource for scholars and students. Its clear guidance on Hanafi jurisprudence is widely recommended.
Modern Use in Islamic Education
Ascent to Felicity remains a vital resource in contemporary Islamic education, widely used in classrooms and online platforms. Its clear, structured approach to Hanafi jurisprudence and Islamic creed makes it accessible to both newcomers and advanced learners. The availability of the text as a PDF has further enhanced its reach, allowing global access for students and educators. This manual is particularly valued for its concise yet detailed explanations, making it a cornerstone in modern Islamic studies and curriculum development.
Reviews and Recommendations
Ascent to Felicity has received widespread acclaim for its clarity and depth in explaining Islamic creed and Hanafi jurisprudence. Scholars and students alike praise its structured approach, making it an invaluable resource for both beginners and advanced learners. Its availability in PDF format has further increased its accessibility, solidifying its reputation as a modern educational tool. Highly recommended for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of Islamic teachings and practices.
Ascent to Felicity remains a vital resource for understanding Islamic creed and Hanafi jurisprudence. Its concise yet detailed approach makes it an indispensable guide for modern learners, with its PDF availability enhancing accessibility and educational value.
Final Thoughts on the Book’s Value
Ascent to Felicity is a timeless, invaluable resource for Islamic education, offering clarity and depth in its coverage of creed and jurisprudence. Its concise yet comprehensive nature makes it accessible to both beginners and advanced learners. The book’s availability in PDF format ensures its teachings reach a global audience, preserving classical knowledge while addressing modern educational needs. It remains a bridge between traditional Islamic scholarship and contemporary understanding, fostering spiritual and intellectual growth for readers worldwide.
Encouragement to Study the Text
Studying Ascent to Felicity is highly recommended for anyone seeking a deep understanding of Islamic creed and Hanafi jurisprudence. Its clarity and comprehensiveness make it an invaluable resource for both beginners and advanced learners. The availability of the PDF version ensures easy access, allowing readers to engage with the text anytime, anywhere. By studying this book, one can gain a solid foundation in Islamic teachings, enrich their spiritual practice, and foster a lifelong commitment to learning and growth.